Hunger Games fans, these days we’re caught in a bit of a drought as we wait for the next movie, The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes. Of course, we can always venture back into Suzanne Collins’ expansive dystopian world through the books or the movies starring Jennifer Lawrence. But why not take a deep dive and really experience Panem? Nowadays, the filming location used for Katniss’ home in District 12 is a unique tourist attraction.
The Hunger Games scenes taking place in District 12 were filmed in an abandoned mill town in North Carolina called Henry River Village. Back in 1905, a number of homes were built around a large mill, and this became a bustling small town across 75 acres. That is, until lightning (literally) struck and the large mill at the center of it was burned down. The town was completely abandoned until the Hunger Games filmmakers found it and set up production there.
Following the production of the Hunger Games movies, Henry River Village could have become the abandoned ghost town it once was, but now it’s a bit of a famous location. Calvis Reyes bought the property following the release of the sci-fi movies, and has dusted off the location into an attraction, historic museum event venue and place to stay.
Hunger Games fans who are interested in visiting the real District 12 can tour the property for $15 per person, stay a night or so at a restored cabin on the property, or book their wedding there. Henry River Village is hosting an upcoming screening of The Hunger Games where guests will be able to see the specific locations shot from the movie and see props used on set. Since the property was bought, it has been determined as a “historic district” as well.
When Calvis Reyes recently spoke to Spectrum News 1 about Henry River Village, he shared his experience with fans of Suzanne Collins’ world. In his words:
Most people come for The Hunger Games but they stay for the history, the stories of the people. They were beyond mill workers and they have their stories and quirks, and we want to learn about them and why they are here.
Aside from getting to be at the exact North Carolina location where Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth starred as District 12 teens, it sounds like there’s some interesting history from the town itself for guests to explore. If you’re interested in visiting, you can learn more about your visit on the Henry River Village website.
As for the future of the Hunger Games movies, Lionsgate is currently developing a movie version of Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes. Francis Lawrence, the director behind Catching Fire and the two Mockingjay movies, is attached to helm the movie.
